MLS Suspends Messi, Alba for All-Star Game No-Show Amid Criticism

Major League Soccer (MLS) suspended Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for one match after both players skipped the MLS All-Star Game without valid reasons, as per league rules established in 2018 to ensure participation from marquee players. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas and manager Javier Mascherano criticized the scheduling of the All-Star Game, citing a demanding match schedule that saw Messi playing nine games in 35 days, which contributed to the players' decision to skip the event. The suspension led to mixed reactions: former MLS coach Steve Nicol condemned the ban as unfair and suggested Messi might refuse to cooperate with the league in the future, while former Newcastle goalkeeper Shakpa Hislop supported the enforcement of the rule, emphasizing the importance of consistent policy application regardless of player status. MLS Commissioner Don Garber defended the league's position, highlighting the need to manage Miami's condensed schedule but refrained from commenting on the suspension before the game against FC Cincinnati. Despite Messi and Alba's absence, Inter Miami managed a goalless draw against Cincinnati, which affected their standings but did not drastically diminish their playoff prospects. This incident underscores ongoing tensions between MLS's efforts to promote its marquee events and the players' concerns over fixture congestion and workload.